07-19-2025, 06:30 PM
(07-19-2025, 06:17 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: Doesn't it feel like the Lakers are in almost exactly the same position the Mavs were in towards the end of Carlisle's time, as Kidd was taking over? We were saying the same things...gotta find talent without using assets. I imagine that's frustrating for Luka (and for you, I'd think).
Of course I am frustrated to an extent that Luka was traded to a team that will have a real hard time building a team around him, due to their lack of assets. Mavs needed 5 years to get a decent center next to Luka. Two seasons Mavs were able to put good (but not elite) wings around him and once they made it to WCF (DFS and Bullock were great that season) and once to the finals (PJ, DJJ). The needs to build a team around Luka are pretty obvious by now. A secondary creator, a good center and athletic wings. Lakers really had almost none of that when Luka was traded - no center and 40 year old LeBron the only guy that could pass as athletic.
I never thought Lakers would be a serious contender this season. I think they did a great job, though. They didn't waste their few assets on some mediocre solutions (Claxton was often mentioned as a possible target, for example). I think the moves they made are just as good as any player they would have potentially traded for with their few assets. I often said, that it is not really about this season, but about the season after this one. They will have to show some serious moves before next season starts. I am happy, they have plenty of flexibility and they will have 3 FRP to trade. I am expecting far different moves next season. Of course it would not hurt if Ayton and/or Smart play well and they are able to resign them (without bird rights) next season.